Modelling the spatial distribution of species-rich farmland to identify priority areas for conservation actions

In a policy context, our generated maps contribute to identifying priority regions for conservation actions. It is proposed that in regions with high coverage of species-rich farmland priority should be given to sustaining low-input grassland farming by keeping farmers in business and preventing farmland abandonment. We conclude that this modelling approach could be adapted for application in other European countries to facilitate spatial targeting of conservation actions.